When it comes to treating Parkinson's disease, deciding which of the many treatments to choose can be overwhelming for both patients and caregivers; the number of doctors, specialists and treatment options available are numerous. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's, treatment options include medications, surgical procedures and specialized therapies. Use of these treatments has been shown to improve the quality of life, but Parkinson's is a very individualized disease, and personal assessment is necessary for successful treatment. However, a personalized approach to treatment could involve services at multiple locations from multiple physicians, therapists, and other specialists.

The New York Methodist Hospital Center for Parkinson's Disease and Other Movement Disorders simplifies this process by consolidating all services related to the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease. According to Miran Salgado, M.D., chairman of neurosciences at NYM, "What we have is an interdisciplinary approach to Parkinson's disease." The Center is staffed by an expert specialty care team that includes neurologists specializing in movement disorders, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, physician assistants, speech-language therapists and nurses.

The newest addition to the Center's staff is patient care coordinator, who sets up an appointment schedule for patients, provides treatment regimen charts, arranges Access-A-Ride for patients who require assistance getting to NYM, and makes sure that insurance companies cover specific medications.

"The patients can call the coordinator with their concerns and hear a friendly voice; someone who is knowledgeable about the disease, and can provide reassurance for what can be a difficult time," said Salome Macikowski, the patient care coordinator.

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that results from the death of cells in the midbrain. Early symptoms are movement-related, including tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement and difficulty with walking and gait. Later, cognitive and behavioral problems may arise, sometimes with dementia.

Among the possibilities offered by the Center are pharmacological treatment, inpatient and outpatient physical and occupational therapy, swallowing and speech-language pathology, psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological services.

Advanced neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) are also offered. This procedure involves placing electrodes in the region of the brain that is related to symptoms such as tremor or rigidity, and is a possible treatment option if medications no longer provide relief. NYM is the only hospital in New York where DBS is performed.

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